Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook confirmed Washington was “ready” to tackle any threat from barbaric leader Kim Jong-un amid fears the hermit state could be preparing to test Trump in his first few days as leader.

US security sources admitted activity suggesting Kim is readying a nuclear missile launch has been detected in the secretive state.

If they do something, it would more likely be a test of Trump than a test of a delivery system

US Intelligence official

The despotic dictator claimed Pyongyang is close to launching an upgraded version of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during his New Year’s address.

While past threats have proved to be bogus, some military experts fear Kim could now pose a serious threat to international security.

German photographer Martin Von Den Driesch has released images from his trip to North Korea in 2014. The 48-year-old was the only Westerner in the group of people allowed to tour the country with government minders. His images show the countries beaches and mountains, as well as photos of security areas and ones that officials asked him to delete.